Selenas question was just an assumption. It wasnt a future that would unfold right before her nor was it a definite prediction.

Kalcion wasnt born in an unstable family.

He knew that once he was caught up in anxiety, he could not do anything. Many of the things he had achieved so far were possible because he forgot about anxiety.

Because he wasnt anxious about death and injury, he was able to walk around the mountains slicing down beasts, and because he overcame the anxiety about his familys defeat, he established himself as a confident Duke even at a young age.

This time was no different either.

If any unexpected situation were to arise, Selenas life could have been sacrificed. Since she was not involved in anything and did not affect Kalcion, it was perfectly fine to put her in a dangerous situation.

What Selena said was just the death that any human being was supposed to receive someday. Even though it was different from the specific death of Irelle, the sacrifice of Selena came to his mind.

Long black hair, pale face, and body covered in blood on a white bed. Those red lipswhich had always looked cheerfulturned blue, and the loss of shine from her eyes.

When he imagined it, his hand jerked unknowingly.

It felt like a chunk of ice was being pushed down to his heart through his open throat. Even after his heart froze, he could not get rid of the creeping fear in his body.

His cold fingers were numb. He clenched his fist and tried to shake off the cold tremor that was spreading in his body.

Whats wrong?

Selena looked into his face and asked anxiously.

..Nothing.

He shook his head.

Selenas face was lively and clear as always.

His fluctuating chest gradually subsided as he looked at the silent black lake in Selenas eyes.

It was such an absurd imagination. Selena was not the one to do that on her own. She wouldnt even let others hurt her like that. That was impossible. The tentacles of anxiety digging into Kalcions mind collapsed one by one.

You dont have to make it so obvious that you cant think of anything, Duke. Because I know.

Selena grunted, embarrassed by his lack of performance.

Its my fault for expecting someone who just stares at a girl who fell into his territory before shes about to be executed.

No, back then

Back then, what? You were very surprised, but you were calm on the outside?

When she sarcastically said and teased, Kalcion blinked as he recalled.

How did I feel back then?

He remembered being so angry at the beasts for breaking into his territory again, and feeling uncomfortable when he saw Selena.

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It was similar to when he saw an injured soldier in battle, but looking back now, it was a little different. However, he had yet to understand what was different.

Selena waited with her eyes shining as if she had yet to hear his answer. How should he explain this? Kalcions mind was filled with worries.

Your Excellency, letters have arrived.

Just in time, the servant knocked on the door. He was hugging an armful of letters.

After a few days since the party, it was time for the next party invitations to fly in. As expected, the amount of letters brought in by the servant was enormous.

These have been separately addressed to Lady Selena.

The servant put down a small bundle of letters separately in front of her.

Although she was Kalcions partner and a guest of the Renbird family, Selena was not a member of Renbird. Thats why some letters were sent to her separately in order to invite her alone.

She stopped interrogating Kalcion and rummaged through her bundle.

I thought I wont be getting any, but surprisingly, this much?

There were a considerable amount of letters in front of her.

Even if its this much, its nothing but speckling compared to what came in Renbirds name.

In front of Kalcion, there was a stack of letters similar to the box Rosalyn brought to Silenza.

These are the greatest and most important invitations Ive ever received by your power.

Compared to what he received, Selenas letters were just a speck of dust, but it was the most substantial fruit. He inadvertently pushed the letters accumulated in front of him.

Arent you going to look where they came from, Duke?

Theyre right after the grand banquet, so they probably arent from an important place.

But what if the Crown Prince or the Queen sent it?

Ill have to be sick this time as well.

.

Kalcions insensitivity was the most optimized shield to survive in this harsh world. Selena once again admired today.

Are the letters telling the Duke to come alone or bring me with him?

Probably half and half.

How was it when you were with Irelle?

I think it was half and half, too.

Then, why dont we go to the places you went back then, Duke?

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I didnt go anywhere.

She subsided quietly.

Then let us deal with what came to me first, and if I change my mind, Ill move on to the invitations for the Duke.

Sounds good. Where did the invitation come from?

Let me see. Marquis Royle? Who is it?

As soon as she opened the letter and saw the first line, she gave a little, Ah.

Viorela belongs to this family.

If its Viorela of Marquis Royle.

He rubbed his temple as he fell into thoughts. He memorized most of the family names, but it was difficult to remember their faces. It was natural because he had never seen their faces with interest while having a short conversation.

Drink, drink.

..Oh.

He recalled only after hearing Selenas hint. A Lady who was famous for drinking at every party. He remembered hearing a saying that alcohol runs if only one person from Marquis Royle arrives.

Then, of course, its a drinking party youre invited to.

Oh But surprisingly, its a tea party?

Really?

Yes, Im going to prepare a tea thats healthy (especially for adults who drink it at night). Oh, its alcohol.

Selena laughed as she saw the date and time of the invitation. It was also late at sunset. There couldnt be a tea party at this time.

There was also a postscript under time.

Please come. I really want to meet Lady Selena again.

Why are you so desperate?

She smiled as she folded the letter. Still, it felt good to see someone being true and pure to themselves, not any other topic or her background.

Are you planning to go?

That will be decided soon. Ill check other things first.

The other letter was unexpectedly from Count Orlen.

It was impressive to see you appear on a horseback, and according to the rumors, I heard youre learning sword art from the Duke, so if I have a chance, I would like to have a cup of tea after exercising with you.

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Cant tea parties be just, hahaha, just for drinking tea?

I heard thats how she usually meets.

When the previous Duchess was alive, tea parties were also held by the Duke. What Kalcion saw then was the last memory of a tea party.

It was a boring and static meeting, with all that was to sit down in a sunny garden, chat, and have tea and sweets. As a minor variation, some played an instrument or read a book, and sometimes sat around and embroidered. However, she had never seen or heard of a tea party where you exercise.

Seems like it, but these are non-mainstream.

She classified Viorelas and Orlens invites as non-mainstream without hesitation.

Is there anything to get from these non-mainstream meetings?

Personally, she was interested. If she had to choose according to her preference, she would be willing to attend them.

But now, they needed to think about the connection with Irelle first.

Did Irelle get invited to a meeting like this? Most probably a no. They sent an invitation because they were interested in Selena, not the woman of Duke Renbird. Or else, it should have been considered that there was little direct connection with Irelle.

Selena shifted to the remaining letters. There must be someone interested and intentionally invited the Dukes lover.

A strange voice came from outside the door as she tried to identify the sender of the letter.

Your Excellency.

The person who came in was not a servant. He seemed to be one of the knights.

Allow me to report the results of the tail.

Kalcion had ordered someone to tail the person who talked with Juna the day of the festival. They expected the reports to arrive right away, but itd been a few days.

It took a long while.

Kalcion was the first to point out that.

She has been wandering around for a while since then. Whether it was to avoid the tail, she stayed at a remote area before she came back.

Did you finish tracking?

Yes, I also made sure that she returned to the mansion.

Where is it?

It belongs to Count Hice.

Kalcions forehead narrowed. Like Marquis Royle, he heard of it, but couldnt remember it well.

Its the family of Lirel. The ginger who first started an argument at the party.

Selena intervened. One of the remaining invitations fluttered in her hand.

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The invitation envelope clearly contained the name of Lirel Hice.